Kathleen and Michael handed out colored stones as their guests took their seats. Their friends and family placed blessings into colored stones and called them out as the stones were collected towards the end of the ceremony. This creative couple then took the stones and created a mosaic picture frame.
Part of the ceremony opening:
We are here not only to witness this love and this marriage, but also to send many blessings. The first can be heard in our opening prayer. Blessed be the earth we stand upon….And blessed be these two who stand before us. Blessed be the eyes of the witnesses…And blessed be the two upon who they gaze, Blessed be the arms of family and friends who embrace them… And blessed be their hands that intertwine with love… Blessed be our loving memories…And blessed be their hearts that join together, Blessed be the circle of community…And may our blessings be upon these lovers forever. The next set of blessings will begin to grow from this point forward. You have each been given a stone to hold throughout the ceremony. Think of a blessing you would like to send this couple. As you hold these stones, please send the stones positive and loving energy along with your blessing. We will collect theses stones as well as the good wishes you send them at the closing of the ceremony. The couple will keep them in a sacred place and will always be grounded with this loving energy.
Part of the ceremony closing:
We have one final set of blessings for Michael and Kathleen and those are from you, the friends and family of the bride and groom. At this time, we will collect the stones as a way of opening the circle. As you place your stone in the basket, please call out a wish you have for this couple. For example you may wish them love, happiness, abundance, compassion, understanding, good health or whatever else comes to your mind. Speak it loudly so that it may manifest. Do not worry if someone has already expressed the gift you wish to give them. They may receive these glorious gifts many times over.
Char and James placed their wedding bands into a bird's nest. Char wrote this as part of the ceremony opening:
During the ceremony the couple has asked that their
wedding bands be passed amongst all of you present. Please take a quick pause to hold them as they are passed to you. Communicate the energy of your warm hopes and wishes for the couple. Cast onto them your positive thoughts for a lasting and adventurous marriage.